When Ziggy came into Dominique’s life, it was clear he’d hit the jackpot. She’s the kind of person who can’t help but love every pup she meets, so much so that she even built a business to help dogs just like Ziggy.
Dominique owns and operates the K9 Aquatic Center in Washington, D.C., where pups can splash and play in indoor pools to their hearts’ content.
And Ziggy gets to be her special assistant — and he clearly loves his role.
Every morning before work, Ziggy starts his day with breakfast and a walk. Then, he and Dominique take the short drive to the aquatic center.
“That’s swimming time, and he can’t wait,” Dominique told The Dodo. “I’m usually too slow for him.”
As soon as they park, Ziggy is raring to go — ready to start his day at what, to him, must be the very best job in the world.
Here’s a glimpse of his morning routine:
Before their other canine clients arrive, Ziggy has the pool — and accompanying toys — all to himself.
And he loves every minute of it.
But the pools at K9 Aquatic Center aren’t just for horsing around in. They’re also changing the lives of dogs with therapeutic needs.
“I opened the pools almost ten years ago, and I met and am meeting incredible dogs,” Dominique said. “We have some senior dogs who would not be walking if they were not swimming. We have dogs who come for exercise, some when they are older and have pains and aches, and some who come post-surgery.”
“But no matter the reason they are coming, they are all having fun!” she added.
Ziggy, in fact, once swam for reasons other than fun. As a puppy, he had an injury that made normal exercise difficult. So, Dominique swam with him instead.
And though he’s long since healed, he’s never looked back.
“[Swimming] has a soothing effect on him,” Dominique said. “It’s just his happy place.”
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